Former model Olga Kurylenko is to play James Bond's sidekick in the 22nd 007 movie, producers have announced.

The 28-year-old Ukrainian, recently seen opposite Timothy Olyphant in video game spin-off Hitman, will star as the "dangerously alluring" Camille.

Her role is expected to eclipse that of St Trinian's actress Gemma Arterton, named as a Bond girl earlier this week.

Filming has already started, led by Kite Runner director Marc Forster. The movie is due for release on 7 November.

The plot is expected to follow on from the events of Casino Royale, with Bond picking up the pieces after being double-crossed by Treasury agent Vesper Lynd.

Producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said Camille "challenges Bond and helps him come to terms with the emotional consequences of Vesper's betrayal".

Daniel Craig will star as the British superspy for the second time.

Other returning cast members include Dame Judi Dench as M, Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter and Giancarlo Giannini as Mathis.

French actor Mathieu Amalric, currently winning plaudits for his role in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, will play the villainous Dominic Greene, while 21-year-old Arterton makes her debut as MI6 Agent Fields.

Casino Royale, released in 2006, made almost $600m (£300m) at box offices around the world.